JPMC Steel Tubular Posts

The State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) is seeking to establish a Joint Purchase Master Contract (JPMC) for steel tubular posts, which will enable governmental units and qualified not-for-profit agencies to purchase these specialized highway infrastructure components. The procurement targets high-quality steel square tubing posts ranging from 1x1 inch to 2x2 inch dimensions, with specific technical requirements including 12-gauge steel conforming to ASTM A653 or ASTM A1011 standards, a minimum yield strength of 40,000 psi, and precise galvanization specifications. The contract will run from July 1, 2025, through April 3, 2029, with vendors required to provide new, unused posts meeting Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Specification T-20-21a. A pre-bid conference is scheduled for April 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM CST via Webex, with electronic bid submissions due by April 22, 2025, through the BidBuy system. Evaluation will focus on the lowest-cost responsive and responsible bidder, with bid pricing remaining firm for 180 days and potential periodic adjustments based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index.

The procurement includes a Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal of 8% for minority, women, and disabled-owned businesses, with three currently certified vendors: Chicago Ornamental Iron, Inc. (Hispanic American Male-owned), Great Lakes Metals Corporation (Caucasian American Female-owned), and MDSOLUTIONS INC. (Asian American Female-owned). While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, the minimum order requirement is $1,000 with F.O.B. Destination delivery, and there is no guaranteed quantity of orders. Vendors must provide comprehensive documentation including a Vendor Disclosure, Utilization Plan, and meet insurance requirements of $1,000,000 in general commercial and auto liability. The contract permits governmental units and qualified not-for-profit agencies to purchase steel tubular posts directly, with each entity being billed separately for their actual share of costs. Vendors must be authorized manufacturers or dealers, and the State reserves the right to request bid samples to ensure specification compliance.